Chinnor RFC vs Leicester Lions

Saturday 6th April
£1
Match Day Sponsors
Proudly sponsored by
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National 1 Season 2023/24

CHINNOR Rugby Club
Founded 1963
Rectory Pavilion
Kingsey Road
Thame
OX9 3JL
Tel: 01844 213735
Email:
generalmanager@chinnor-rfc.com
Web:
www.chinnor-rfc.com
Chairman:
Nick Stainton
President:
Simon Vickers
Treasurer:
Mike Hughes
Honorary Secretary:
Pete Conway
Presidents’s Welcome
Good afternoon all to Kingsey Rd for what
promises to be another entertaining afternoon.
Firstly a very warm welcome to our
visitors from Leicester Lions. They were very
hospitable when we went to them earlier in
the season and we will no doubt reciprocate in
the Chinnor way.
Today for us is a key moment in our
countdown of our last three games and
our last home game. I am absolute in my
view that whatever happens we are guaranteed second spot and
therefore we should, at the final whistle on 27th April, celebrate our
most successful season ever.
The top spot is in our hands and I have no doubt as to the level
of determination of our squad that they have that firmly in their
sights but one game at a time and with Leicester LIons not safe
yet they will be trying their level best to win today. Indeed after
a slowish start they have claimed some notable scalps including
Rams, Blackheath, Richmond and Plymouth so we will need to be
on our mettle today.
I have said before regardless that I, and no doubt many
others, have enjoyed our Squads company, their attitude and their
performance on the field. It has been a pleasure to be part of the
voyage and we have been very lucky to bear witness to it. My
sincere thanks to them all.
So the question on everyone’s lips with many letting the words
go is: how will we cope if we go up? Well off course we have asked
the question ourselves but will not tempt fate by deliberating on
an action plan until it becomes reality. There is unanimity on the
Board that we will support the Squads success by giving it our best
shot without it affecting the sustainability of the Club. The current
rules for the Championship remain in place for next season but the
season after are most likely to change. Whilst we have had sight
of the proposals for Prem 2 put out by the RFU they are currently
under negotiation with the Champ so maybe subject to change. The
good news is that they are now talking constructively and have set
aside their war of words. The changes required will be phased and
we think that for the most part they are liveable with but we have no
visibility yet on the likely level of financial support which of course
is key.
What has been gratifying is the very much increased level of
spectators and lunch guests - some 250 people at lunch today. Of
course the success on the pitch is a major part of that but we hope
that this will continue as our supporters appreciate and spread the
word as to the amazing level of skill and commitment of our players
and Coaches. We have seen many of our gates in excess of many
Championship attendances which shows the appetite in this area for
high level sport.
Our thanks goes out to all involved including Nick, Craig, Tom
C, Daz, Kieron, Tom K and everyone who has helped out with the
Squad. There is no doubt that our Pitch 1 has been in the best
shape of its life despite the atrocious weather so thanks to John
Nicholson and all of the Friday Club for looking after the facilities
so well.
Tom and Mike and the Clubhouse team have worked their socks
off to improve the match day experience with no doubt more gears
to go through next season whether or not we go up a league.
I would also like to give a massive thanks to all our sponsors old
and new. I am so pleased that your considerable input has been
rewarded. I do hope you are enjoying these moments. We are proud
to be associated with you and thanks for all of your support.
Today we are celebrating our one Club ethos with our Family Day
today and it serves as a reminder that first and foremost we are a
Community Club with Rugby and support for all.
Apologies for the Tome. So much to say .
Enjoy your day
Simon

TEAMS Worthing — Match 14 Day Chinnor Ball Sponsors 73Rectory
Chinnor Leicester Lions
With the Raiders Black with defending white hoops an unbeaten Purple home and record white against Chinnor
and the Black & Whites 1. Keston needing Linesa 5 point 1. maximum Tom Williams to stay (C) in contention
at the top of the division 2. Alun something Walker had to 2. give Olly Taylor at Worthing. (VC)
Ben Manning got 3. Robin the the Hardwick visitors underway 3. Aaron in the Dawson very first minute with
Jonny Bentley adding 4. Oliver the conversion Curry to take 4. Ethan early Godefroy seven point lead.
5. Conor Brockschmidt 5. Will Ward
Hooker Koree Britton
6. George
went
Stokes
over five minutes
6. George
later with
Irvine
winger Luke
Hibberd following suit. Bentley converted both tries and Chinnor were 21-
0 to the good inside
7. Max
10
Clementson
minutes.
7. Johnny Murdock
8. William Ryan (c) 8. Nick Cairns
After that quick-fire 9. trio Luke the Carter visitors had to 9. wait James another Stubbs 15 minutes to
cross the line 10. again George for their Worboys all important 10. bonus Dan point. LewisThis time it was
full back Kieran Goss who dotted down on 25 minutes for the first of his
11. Kieran Goss 11. Malelili Satala
try hat trick. Jonny Bentley was wayward from the tee, one of only two
conversions missed 12. James all day. Bourton 12. Charlie Myall
13. Morgan Passman 13. Jamel Hamilton (VC)
Worthing hit back 14. before Grant half Hughes time as Joe 14. Watson-Brooks Joey Patrick and Grant
Gatford scored
15.
in
William
quick succession
Feeney
with
15.
Mathew
Joe Brock
McLean converting
both. At the interval the visitors led 26-14.
Replacements Replacements
That was as good 16. Mark as it Darlington got for the Raiders 16 as Will Chinnor Robertsracked up another
seven tries in the 18. second Ethan period. Clarke 17 Isaac Thompson
Kieran Goss
19.
went
Matthew
over
Woodward
two minutes after
18
the
Simon
restart
Koroiyadi
converted by Bentley
followed by Ben Pienaar 20. Tom seven Clifford minutes 19 later. BLuke Replacement Bouchier Basil Strang
adding the 21. extras. Nathan Chamberlain 20 Fin Ogden
Director of Rugby Coach
In the final half hour Goss completed his hat trick and there were further
Nick Easter Garteh Collins
tries from Charlie Broughton, Bevon Armitage, a second for Koree Britton
and one for Basil Strang. Coaches Dale Ager
Craig Hampson Lloyd Warner
The 73-14 final score keeps Tom Cruse the pressure Megan on league Seagrave leaders Bishop’s
Stortford who narrowly
Daz
beat
Oliver
Redingensians and play off rivals Old
Elthamians who secured their bonus point in a 47-12 win over Bury St
Edmonds.
Referee: Ben Rayner
Performance reviewer: Iain Mitchell
Assistant Referees: Ben McNamara, Richard Waller
www.chinnor-rfc.com
5

Worthing D.O.R. 14 Writes Chinnor 73
Good afternoon everyone and just like
With the Raiders defending an unbeaten home that we record have our against final home Chinnor game of the
and the Black & Whites needing a 5 point maximum season. The to team stay will in be contention desperate to
at the top of the division something had to put give on at a performance Worthing. for our supporters
who have been swelling in numbers
Ben Manning got the the visitors underway in the very first minute with
throughout the season enjoying the fine
Jonny Bentley adding the conversion to take an early seven point lead.
rugby played that has been on display.
Hooker Koree Britton went over five minutes Of later course with everyone winger is Luke aware what is
Hibberd following suit. Bentley converted both at stake tries as and we Chinnor hit the home were stretch 21-
0 to the good inside 10 minutes.
but I can assure you no one within the
rugby department is looking further
After that quick-fire trio the visitors had to wait another 15 minutes to
ahead than today and our opponents
cross the line again for their all important bonus point. This time it was
Leicester Lions who themselves need
full back Kieran Goss who dotted down on 25 minutes for the first of his
to assure safety after promotion last
try hat trick. Jonny Bentley was wayward from the tee, one of only two
season. They possess some quality
conversions missed all day.
players and have had some big wins
Worthing hit back before half time as Joe Watson-Brooks this season putting and Rams Grant and Plymouth
Gatford scored in quick succession with Mathew away to McLean name a few converting scalps, they play a
both. good brand At the of rugby interval which the we visitors will have led to be 26-14. at our best defensively to keep them out.
Our last outing away at Richmond was a potential banana skin well negotiated by the side in
That tricky conditions, was as good to come as it away got with for a the 41-16 Raiders victory as at the Chinnor RAG where racked Chinnor up another have never
seven won before tries is testament in the second to the maturity period. of the team given it was 17-16 at half time, the guys
Kieran
regrouped
Goss
took on
went
one
over
simple
two
message
minutes
and delivered
after the
a dominant
restart converted
second half
by
performance.
Bentley
followed One player by in particular Ben Pienaar stood seven out and minutes deserves mention later. Replacement was Grant Hughes Basil whose Strang hatrick
adding secured the bonus extras. point out of position on the wing, and as has been the case as the season
draws to an end with limited squads, players often find themselves in roles unfamiliar to
In them, the another final half couple hour of Goss players completed to fill in at lock his recently hat trick are and the there two prop were forwards further Josh
tries McNulty from and Charlie Keston Lines. Broughton, These requirements Bevon Armitage, are all part a second of the twists for Koree and turns Britton that
and occur one during for the Basil week Strang. and matches that keep us on our toes and make it an enjoyable and
challenging league to be a part of.
The 73-14 final score keeps the pressure on league leaders Bishop’s
Stortford At this time who I would narrowly also like beat to mention Redingensians our Falcons(2nd and XV) play and off how rivals well they Oldhave done
Elthamians this season with who some secured tight games their and bonus notable point wins against a 47-12 Ampthill win and over Stortford. Bury It St is vital
Edmonds.
to have strong second string to provide continuity, competition and rugby throughout the
club, this year it has been a real success and a tribute to the dedication form all players to
our weekly training nights and their hunger to improve and represent the club. We sign off
at home today with both teams playing so I hope many of you will be able to get along to
support both teams and here your voices loud and proud.
Thanks again for all your support this season.
Nick Easter
www.chinnor-rfc.com
6

www.chinnor-rfc.com
15

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Welcome to Chinnor RFC Thame - we hope you have a great time!
We are now a cash-free venue, so please use your payment and
membership cards. We encourage you to buy your match and lunch
tickets in advance online via our Ticketpass page.
Drinks - Take your pick from our Players’ Bar, Members’ Bar, Marquee,
Bar22 and Scoreboard Bar. We have a range of drinks available, with
Guinness, Carlsberg, Estrella, Shipyard and Somersby on tap. New for this
season is our Scoreboard Bar.
Food - We are working on upgrading our Servery, but pitchside food is still
available.
Facilities - The toilets are located outside the Clubhouse and located close
to the entrance. Our disabled toilet can be accessed via the lift inside the
Clubhouse.
www.chinnor-rfc.com
16

CHINNOR RFC THAME — Senior Squad
1 Josh McNulty
Tight Head Prop
12 George Grose
Club Captain - Centre
2 Luke Carter
Scrum Half
sponsored by
Caolyn Ryan
13 Keston Lines
Loose Head Prop
4 Greg Goodfellow
Scrum Half
15 Kieran Goss
Wing
5 Willie Ryan
1st XV Captain
Back Row
16 Morgan Passman
Centre/Wing
8 Alun Walker
Hooker
17 Finn Theobald-Thomas
Hooker
10 Nick Smith
Full Back/Wing
18 Andy Berry
Back Row
11 Josh Hodson
Wing
19 James Bourton
Centre
17

CHINNOR RFC THAME — Senior Squad
20 Max Heathman
Back Row
28 Ben Wilkinson
Loose/Tight Head Prop
21 Jack Walsh
Scrum Half
29 George Stokes
Back Row
Sponsored by
The Morning Portal
22 George Merrick
Lock
31 Will Cave
Hooker
23 Joe Browning
Wing
32 Tom Price
Fly Half
24 William Feeney
Full Back
33 Jake Varney
Scrum Half
25 Jason Worrall
Wing
34 Max Clemenston
Back Row
27 Mark Darlington
Hooker
35 Will Cadden
Back Row
18

CHINNOR RFC THAME — Senior Squad
36 Joe Booth
Scrum Half
43 Will Blakemore
Centre
37 Cameron Rafferty
Back Row
45 Matt Woodward
Loose Head Prop
Sponsored by
Blackdog Promo
38 Shek Sheriff
Lock
47 Archie Friend
Scrum Half
39 Rob Hardwick
Tight Head Prop
48 Alfie North
Back Row
40 Izzy Wharton
Back Row
50 Mualo Sadiki
Back Row
42 Conor Brockschmidt
Back Row/Lock
23

CHINNOR RFC THAME — The Back Room
Nick Easter
Director Of Rugby
Tom Cruse
Scrum Coach
Daz Oliver
Head Of S&C
Greg Goodfellow
Falcons Head Coach
Criag Hampson
Head Coach
Tom Knibbs
Team Manager
Kieran Yon
Head Of Medical
www.chinnor-rfc.com
24

CHINNOR RFC THAME
National League 1 Table - 2023/24
Pos Team Pld W D L F A PD TBP LBP Pts
1 Chinnor 23 19 0 4 903 351 552 18 3 97
2 Rams 23 18 0 5 715 505 210 18 2 92
3 Rosslyn Park 23 14 1 8 680 565 115 14 3 75
4 Birmingham Moseley 23 13 0 10 593 567 26 11 6 69
5 Plymouth Albion 23 13 0 10 541 474 67 10 4 66
6 Darlington Mowden Park 23 11 0 12 568 584 -16 11 6 61
7 Richmond 23 10 0 13 609 627 -18 13 7 60
8 Blackheath 23 11 0 12 555 522 33 8 4 56
9 Sedgley Park 23 10 1 12 577 680 -103 10 4 56
10 Sale FC 23 11 0 12 507 542 -35 7 3 54
11 Bishop’s Stortford 23 8 0 15 530 688 -158 9 5 46
12 Leicester Lions 23 9 0 14 447 631 -184 6 3 45
13 Cinderford 23 8 0 15 446 683 -237 3 4 39
14 Taunton Titans 23 5 0 18 588 840 -252 14 4 38
This weeks fixtures
15:00 Blackheath
Sedgley Park
15:00 Chinnor
Leicester Lions
15:00 Cinderford
Rosslyn Park
15:00 Darlington Mowden Park
Bishop’s Stortford
15:00 Plymouth Albion
Rams
15:00 Richmond
Birmingham Moseley
15:00 Sale FC
Taunton Titans
Next Fixtures
13th April
14:00 Leicester Lions
Darlington Mowden Park
15:00 Birmingham Moseley
Chinnor
15:00 Bishop’s Stortford
Sale FC
15:00 Rams
Richmond
15:00 Rosslyn Park
Blackheath
15:00 Taunton Titans
Cinderford
15:00 Sedgley Park
Plymouth Albion
Last weeks results
3-20 Birmingham Moseley
Plymouth Albion
39-12 Bishop’s Stortford
Leicester Lions
33-25 Rams
Blackheath
16-41 Richmond
Chinnor
41-19 Rosslyn Park
Sale FC
30-25 Sedgley Park
Cinderford
22-20 Taunton Titans
Darlington Mowden Park
www.chinnor-rfc.com
25

Proud supporters of the CRFC 2019 Mini Festival
Providers
Our cabins, modular
of
buildings,
our new
toilets
and showers have been supplied to
major Try events Line throughout Terrace 2019!
www.qdoseventhire.co.uk
www.chinnor-rfc.com
26

Richmond 16 Chinnor 41
Worthing 14 Chinnor 73
MATCH REPORT
With the Raiders defending an unbeaten Chinnor home increased record the against pace and Chinnor encamped
and the Black & Whites needing a 5 point themselves maximum in Richmond’s to stay in red contention zone. The
Grant
at the
Hughes
top of the
hat trick
division
powers
something
Chinnor
had hosts to give managed at Worthing. to repel several dangerous
to win at Richmond
looking attacks with desperate defence and
Ben Manning got the the visitors underway in the very first minute with
A turbo charged performance from Grant good turnovers.
Jonny Bentley adding the conversion to take an early seven point lead.
Hughes full of power and pace underpinned
This defensive effort was finally broken by
Chinnor’s Hooker Koree impressive Britton performance went over in South five minutes a spectacular later with solo effort winger from Luke Hughes as
West Hibberd London. following Chinnor suit. eventually Bentley overcame converted he slalomed both tries his and way Chinnor through the were tacklers 21-
a 0 determined to the good and inside dogged 10 Richmond minutes. and
to notch a superb hat trick. 16-24 on 57
some horrendous conditions in the first
half After to that come quick-fire away with a trio 5 point the win. visitors had minutes. to wait another 15 minutes to
cross the line again for their all important bonus point. This time it was
The first half was a real ding ding affair as
This try settled Chinnor and they began
full back Kieran Goss who dotted down on 25 minutes for the first of his
the lead swapped hands several times, to assert real dominance, especially when
try hat trick. Jonny Bentley was wayward from the tee, one of only two
although Chinnor outscored their hosts 3 Conor Brocksmidt put in a huge tackle on
conversions missed all day.
tries to 1 their lead was a very slim 16-17. his opposite number. From a lovely Feeney
Chinnor Worthing started hit back well and before took an half early time lead as Joe touch Watson-Brooks finder Richmond and dragged Grantdown a
through Gatford a scored smart catch in quick and drive succession and score with fast Mathew moving Chinnor McLean maul converting and a penalty try
from both. Walker. At the interval Richmond the immediately visitors led hit 26-14. was awarded. 16-31. Richmond were now
back with 2 quick scores, a penalty and a down to 13.
slick That try was from as Post. good 10-5. as it got for the Raiders as Chinnor racked up another
seven tries in the second period. Brocksmidt then wrestled a ball away from
Hughes then entered the fray with his Richmond and put in a perfectly weighted
first Kieran major Goss contribution went over when two released minutes by after kick the ahead restart which converted saw George by Bentley Worboys
Feeney followed a weaving by Ben run Pienaar opened seven his account. minutes outstrip later. the Replacement cover to dot down. Basil 16-31. Strang
10-12 adding after the 23 extras. minutes.
Chinnor rounded off the scoring after a
Chinnor’s In the final indiscipline half hour Goss and completed unforced his flowing hat move trick and released there Goss were in space further down
errors tries from costed Charlie them 6 Broughton, more points Bevon when Armitage, the left wing a second and Gossy for streaked Koree Britton home to
Richmond and one opted for Basil for the Strang. posts on a couple
score in the corner. 16-41.
of occasions.
The 73-14 final score keeps the pressure It was on a very league powerful leaders and more Bishop’s disciplined
But it was another try from Hughes that
Stortford who narrowly beat Redingensians and play off rivals Old
gave Chinnor the lead at half time, 16-17.
second half performance as Chinnor really
Elthamians who secured their bonus point showed in a their 47-12 class win and over all Bury round St game.
Having Edmonds. survived against the elements Some excellent performance with 2 stand
including hail, horizontal rain and an outs from Hughes and Brocksmidt.
increasingly strong wind Chinnor could feel
they were in a strong position.
However emerging for the second half they
were greeted by a beautiful, still, sunny
spring afternoon!
www.chinnor-rfc.com
35
A break for Easter with 2 weeks until
Chinnor play their final home game of the
season against Leicester Lions on 6th April.
Match report - John Vaughan

1st XV Fixtures & Results 2023/24
Worthing 14 Chinnor 73
KO 3pm unless otherwise stated
Date Opponents KO Result
With the Raiders defending an unbeaten home record against Chinnor
and 02-Sep-23 the Black Darlington & Whites Mowden needing Pk a 5 point maximum Home to stay in contention w 22 - 10
at 08-Sep-23 the top of Rams the division something had to give Away at Worthing. 7.45pm L 29 -19
16-Sep-23 Sale Home W 36 - 0
Ben Manning got the the visitors underway in the very first minute with
Jonny 23-Sep-23 Bentley Sedgley adding Park the conversion to take an Away early seven point L lead. 27 - 21
30-Sep-23 Cinderford Home W 48 - 17
Hooker Koree Britton went over five minutes later with winger Luke
Hibberd 07-Oct-23 following Rosslyn suit. Park Bentley converted both Away tries and Chinnor W were 21 - 21- 48
014-Oct-23 to the good Blackheath inside 10 minutes.
Home W 53 - 8
21-Oct-23 Free
After
28-Oct-23
that quick-fire
Free
trio the visitors had to wait another 15 minutes to
cross the line again for their all important bonus point. This time it was
full 04-Nov-23 back Kieran Taunton Goss who dotted down on 25 Away minutes for the first W of 21 his - 53
try 11-Nov-23 hat trick. Plymouth Jonny Bentley Albion was wayward from Home the tee, one of only L 17 two - 22
conversions 18-Nov-23 Bishop’s missed Stortford all day.
Away W 7 - 26
Worthing 25-Nov-23 hit Richmond back before half time as Joe Watson-Brooks Home and Grant W 55 - 26
Gatford 02-Dec-23 scored Leicester in quick Lions succession with Mathew Away McLean converting W 15 - 40
both. At the interval the visitors led 26-14.
09-Dec-23 Birmingham Moseley Home W 27 - 24
That 15-Dec-23 was as Rams good as it got for the Raiders as Home Chinnor 7.45pm racked up W another 21 - 7
seven
06-Jan-24
tries in
Free
the second period.
Kieran 13-Jan-24 Goss Sale went over two minutes after the restart Away converted by W Bentley 10 - 47
followed 27-Jan-24 by Cinderford Ben Pienaar seven minutes later. Away Replacement Basil W Strang 0 - 57
adding the extras.
03-Feb-24 Sedgley Park Home W 38 - 34
In 09-Feb-24 the final half Rosslyn hour Park Goss completed his hat trick Home and there 7.45pm were W further 31 - 10
tries 17-Feb-24 from Charlie Blackheath Broughton, Bevon Armitage, Away a second for Koree L 22 Britton - 17
and
24-Feb-24
one for
Taunton
Basil Strang.
Home W 80 - 10
The 02-Mar-24 73-14 final Free score keeps the pressure on league leaders Bishop’s
Stortford
09-Mar-24
who
Plymouth
narrowly
Albion
beat Redingensians and
Away
play off rivals Old
W 5 - 26
Elthamians who secured their bonus point in a 47-12 win over Bury St
Edmonds.
16-Mar-24 Bishop’s Stortford Home W 80 - 10
23-Mar-24 Richmond Away W 16 - 41
30-Mar-24 Free
06-Apr-24 Leicester Lions Home
13-Apr-24 Birmingham Moseley Away
20-Apr-24 Free
27-Apr-24 Darlington Mowden Pk Away
www.chinnor-rfc.com
36

Coming up
at Home
Club Events Calendar
Kites
7th Apr Bridgnorth Women
Colts
14th April Old Albanians
19th April Aylesbury (Friday)
12th Apr
Sportmans with Nigel Owens
10th May
End of Season Party
26th Jul
Abba Revival
www.chinnor-rfc.com